Lain Biles '24
Never before has Cate School seen a team as tenacious and vivacious as the 2023 Junior Varsity Girls Lacrosse team. With a roster of nearly 30 players, Coaches Nicole Sintetos and Lindsay Richardson crafted a program consisting of one Core team (10 players who attend every game) and two Flex teams (each consisting of 10 players who alternate attending games). In a fashion rarely seen by junior varsity teams at Cate, the roster boasts a strong ratio of 18 underclassmen to 9 upperclassmen. Needless to say, Junior Varsity Lacrosse was a team inclusive of all ages and skill levels, and all of the players saw a vast improvement by the end of the season.
From the very beginning of the season, there were many breakout stars, including Desi Flores ‘23, who led the team in goals scored, and Abby Oke ‘24, who led the defensive side to countless triumphs. JV Lacrosse ended the regular season with five wins and two losses, a record that barely scratches the surface of the team’s consistent hard work and effort throughout the spring trimester.
When asked what her favorite part about coaching Junior Varsity Lacrosse was, Coach Sintetos said, “I loved seeing our collective skill grow over the course of our weeks together. For example, when we beat Dos Pueblos not once, but twice, I felt like we established ourselves as a team with momentum. More than that, I loved that we improved while remaining a healthy, collaborative environment. I believe JV sports should be a place where we can push ourselves physically while still releasing the pent up stress or pressure that accumulates throughout the day.”
Claire Clark ‘24 could barely contain her excitement when asked to provide insight into the transformative experience that is Junior Varsity Lacrosse. Claire said, “I never thought my life could improve so much over the course of eight weeks. I have truly come into myself as a student-athlete. Not only do we get dubs on the field, but we get dubs off the field too.” Claire is not alone in her adoration for Junior Varsity Lacrosse– the joy provided by this team was infectious to all of the players.
Caroline Coors ‘24, the fearless goalkeeper of the Junior Varsity Lacrosse team, described her experience on the team as “one of the best experiences I have had at Cate. Stepping in as goalie I was extremely nervous, but I was met with only love. Every time I missed a ball, whether it be in a game or practice, the team was always right there to cheer me on and reassure me that I would get the next one!”
Overall, the spring season has been one filled with happiness and celebration of Cate’s stellar athletic accomplishments. While junior varsity teams are often overlooked, Junior Varsity Girls Lacrosse is truly a team like no other. Get ready for more electric performances coming in March 2024.
Nicole Sintetos: Cate :: Ted Lasso: Richmond